Apparatus for obtaining continuous speed ratios in a seeding or fertilizing machine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for transmitting drive motion to the members working in dispensing devices and seed and fertilizer dosing devices, equipped to vary the speed of such drive motions according to the operative needs present in each dosing, comprising, in combination, at least one velocity sensor arranged correspondingly with one of the machine supporting wheels, which sensor is integrated to an electronic circuit including the Intelligent Central Unit consisting of a microprocessor having its own software which commands the movements generated by a plurality of Propelling Units, integrated to the same circuit and arranged, individually, correspondingly with each dispenser and dosing device of the machine, coupled to at least one of the members belonging to said dosing devices and dispensers involved in the drive movement and action of each of them.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive installation consistingof electronic and electromechanical elements to obtain continuous speedratios without intermediate moveable parts, applicable to seeders,fertilizing machines and/or the like, specially created to be used inseeders, even in those whose seeding drive gear includes the fertilizerdispensing assembly.

[0002] More precisely, the present patent of invention protects aspecial drive installation created to act as a command and driveresource of the seed dispensing devices as well as fertilizer dispensingdevices, as the case may be, contained in the agricultural machinery forsaid purpose, including the seed sorter assemblies, as well as thefertilizer dosing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a totally electronic driveinstallation which includes speed transducers and information processingelements associated to command devices for engines and/or motoreducers,directly integrated to said assemblies.

[0004] The basic novelty is that all the mechanic elements currentlyused by agricultural machines of the type mentioned above areeliminated, namely: gears, chains, motion boxes, engagements, hydraulicmotors, etc., and they are replaced by velocity sensors andmicroprocessors which command the rate flow performed by seed and/orfertilizer dispensers for their function.

[0005] It relates to an adequate installation to apply in fertilizingmachines, single or dual, self-propelled or driven, as well as seedersfor coarse or fine grains, also self-propelled or driven.

[0006] The invented drive installation uses a particular main member,which will be called “driving unit” hereinafter, and which has beenspecially designed to control and command the dispensers movementaccording to the different parameters and variables involved in seedingand fertilization cores, said information being processed and forwardedfrom an “intelligent central unit”.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0007] If drive installations of movement in the seed and/or fertilizerdispensers currently known are analyzed, three systems may bedetermined, according to their degree of complexity, namely, those wherethe dispensers take up control from a single wheel belonging to thetrain of motion so that, based on the floor, it rotates with its feed;those typically called “half swing”, because they use two wheelsbelonging to the train of motion, from where the movement is takentowards its respective sector on it; those where there are also twodrive wheels, but the driving of a differential is included to securethe same number of turns in all the dispensers in the machine.

[0008] As it is known, these drive installations use engagements in thedrive wheel, an intermediary countershaft, a gearbox (or replacementengagements), a hydraulic motor, a cardan axle or shaft extending as faras the different dispensers.

[0009] All these drive assemblies become necessary because thedispensers use rotatory mechanisms to perform their function, therefore,it becomes essential to bring a rotation movement to them.

[0010] As defined above, in most cases, this movement is taken from oneor two of the holding up wheels belonging to the machine train ofmotion.

[0011] In all the cases, they are drive installations resorting to theuse of toothed wheels and chains, where means allowing for themodification of the drive ratio should be inserted; they may consist ofgearboxes, of the type lodging engagements in an oil bath, with selectorlevers, or the well known integral multiple toothed wheels gear changeson the same axle, performing the modification of the engagement due tothe displacements of the chain interrelating them. Typically, they usesets of coaxial toothed wheels having a different radius and beingreplaceable.

[0012] It becomes clear from the aforementioned, that any of theengagement systems referred may have one or two different inlet and/oroutlet ratios which, in turn, multiply the quantity of apparent changes.

[0013] In this manner, drive ratio ranges are achieved, such as: 40, 54,64 or 81 changes, according to the different manufacturers. In all thecases, the movement achieved is transmitted to a cardan shaft that joinsall the fertilizer dispensers, or in any case, to all the seedingmodules.

[0014] With these mechanic resources, fertilizer dispensing can also beregulated, or, in any case, the seed that is being planted. Typically, afertilization table or seeding table provided by the manufacturer isused, where the movement of the driving wheel is related to the cardanshaft transmitting movement to the dosing grinders. Said operation isperformed on the corresponding motion box and/or its respectiveengagements and chains.

[0015] For these well known cases, the most commonly used dispensersare: the horizontal star type, the upright shaft type, where the numberof turns of the star per each advance meter of the machine is fixed(constant driving ratio) and the dose is regulated by the size offertilizer outlet port.

[0016] Those having a toothed wheel and horizontal shaft, made ofplastic material and having oblique teeth, of the “chevron” type arealso typically used. They may be pulley or grooved roller type. The doseis regulated changing the drive ratio by means of a box, i.e., modifyingthe number of turns of the dispenser per each advance meter of themachine.

[0017] For the regulation of seed dispensing in which the variation ofthe seeding density must be stated, it should be determined how mucheach dispenser must throw per each advance meter of the machine. Asdefined, for setting up work, the “seeding tables” provided by themanufacturer are also used.

[0018] Generally, a first calibration is performed in the static, aswell as in the dynamic procedure, regulating the machine according tosaid “table”, checking the results. If they are not close to thetheoretical and practical values, the mechanisms should be adjusted toachieve the intended results, always working on the engagements andgearboxes.

[0019] It should be noted that in the new agricultural accuracypractices, where the dose should vary for different areas within thesame batch, it is necessary to use new control elements that achievesaid objective and/or are able to vary the drive ratio constantly.

[0020] In certain cases, it is necessary to separate the operation ofthe kinematic train which drives the different dispensers from the wheelof the machine itself. For this purpose, hydraulic motors, capable ofvarying the number of revolutions they produce, are used. Thesehydraulic motors supply movement to the rest of the traditionalkinematic train. The hydraulic source may come from the draggingtractor, through a connection to the circuit in the equipment preparedfor said purpose. In tractors having a hydraulic system not equipped forthese uses, an independent hydraulic pump is installed, having itscorresponding oil storage, and being driven by the power intake.

[0021] When granulated insecticides, as well as the seeds are applied onthe drills where the seeds are planted, other hoppers with mechanicdispensers are used, thus adjusting the dose by means of the change inthe kinematic train drive index.

[0022] It may also be added that the seed dispenser is the member incharge of controlling the seed flow, according to the seeding raterequired by the crop.

[0023] From the operative viewpoint, typically, each seed is treated asan isolated particle, individualized from the rest. For this purpose,two types of dispensers are known, namely, mechanic, which, in turn, maybe horizontal or oblique, and pneumatic. In both cases, the abovementioned individualization consists of placing each seed on each of theperforations of a rotatory clamp which lets them exit one by one.

[0024] In these cases, the regulation of the seeding rate is alwayscarried out by means of the machine transmission box, with which thespeed of the feeding star is varied and by means of the position of theshuttering plate that must be adopted for each rate.

[0025] High working velocities are not always possible in mechanicdispensers. In this sense, it should be considered that high velocitiesnot only affect the quality of distribution but the seed deliverysecurity may be impaired, as well in certain mechanisms.

[0026] From the above, it is clear that all the agricultural machines ofthe type mentioned above, are based on the principle of obtaining avariable ratio between the driving wheel and the cardan axle or dosingaxle that moves the dispensing and distributing members, using complexmechanic systems which include: engagements, chains, gearboxes,clutches, mechanic shifters, articulated cardan shafts, hydraulicsystems, etc.

[0027] It should be noted that, as a consequence of the use of saidmechanic drive installations, a series of drawbacks become apparent; thefollowing are the most significant:

[0028] Complex movement systems

[0029] Complex calibration boxes and setting up

[0030] Multiple reducer boxes, engagements and chains

[0031] Multiple cardan shafts with difficulties for alignment

[0032] Need of strict and continuous maintenance

[0033] Periodical lubrication system

[0034] Much time spent in assembling the mechanic systems ex-works.

[0035] Uneven wear of the engagements.

[0036] Large quantities of pieces which are necessary to keep as spareparts.

[0037] Difficult change of the distance between the drills.

[0038] Higher costs for storing spare parts stock at the distributorsfacilities.

[0039] Complex system of variation of the fertilization rate (kg/ha)

[0040] Complex system of variation of seeding rate

[0041] Range of stepped fertilization rate.

[0042] Range of stepped seeding rate.

[0043] Need to stop the “equipment” to perform the variation offertilization rate.

[0044] Need to stop the “equipment” to perform the variation of seedingrate.

[0045] Higher total weight of the equipment

[0046] Longer downtime due to breakings and/or pieces wear.

[0047] Great complexity to transform the machine from rating conditionto transport condition.

[0048] Problems with accumulation of dust/grease on the engagements andchains.

[0049] Larger quantity of pieces exposed to blows and/or breakings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The main drawbacks are clearly overcome by a drive installationconsisting of electronic and electromechanical elements to obtaincontinuous speed ratios, without intermediate moveable parts in seedersand the like, which comprises the use of velocity sensors associatedwith an intelligent central unit from which the drive of the associatedpropelling units commands the fertilizer and/or seed dispenser devices.

[0051] The invented installation works basically in the followingmanner: once installed and connected to a power source, through a“display” containing a customized menu of the machine, the differentparameters involved in fertilization and seeding actions are chosen; thefollowing being the most significant: single or dual; type of fertilizerto be used; distance between drills; kilograms per hectare for each typeof fertilizer; to activate the fertilizer detector or alarm in case oflack of fertilizer.

[0052] Similarly, the type of seed dispenser type to be used isprogrammed (pneumatic, horizontal or oblique); also the type of grain toplant (corn, sunflower, soy 70, soy 72, sorghum, black bean, albumenwhite bean, red bean, peanut, Mexican chickpea, elderberry, lint-freecotton and safflower, etc); the distance for seeding, defined between ausual minimum and maximum in the country for each type of grain.

[0053] Once these data have been entered, the machine will be ready,automatically by clicking on a key, to start moving with the followingmain advantages:

[0054] There is no need to calibrate or set up the machine:

[0055] The movement of dosing devices, performed by means of drivingunits, takes place at speeds set through a mathematical algorithm thattakes into account the data entered and the speed at which the equipmentadvances.

[0056] Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to providea transmission installation consisting of electronic andelectromechanical elements intended to obtain continuous speed ratioswithout intermediate moveable parts, applicable to seeders and similarmachines, specially for the purpose of transmitting drive motion to themembers working in dispensing devices and seed and fertilizer dosingdevices, qualified to vary the speed of such drive motions according tothe operating needs of each dosing which comprises in combination atleast one velocity sensor arranged correspondingly with one of thesupporting wheels of the machine, which sensor is arranged forming partof an electronic circuit that includes the Intelligent Central Unitcomposed of a microprocessor having its own “software” to operate themotion generated by a plurality of Driving Units, which form an integralpart of such circuit and are arranged, individually, correspondinglywith each dosing device and dispensing device of the machine, attachedto at least one of the members belonging to such dosing devices anddispensing devices that take part in the drive motion and operation ofeach of them.

[0057] The mentioned sensor is arranged correspondingly with an drivewheel which, belonging to the machine, is located in the front sectorresting on the floor and consists of a pulse generator (according toadvance speed) attached to the shaft of a wheel of the machine; itshould also be seen that it be a voltage source (which generates voltageaccording to advance speed of the machine) attached to the shaft of awheel of the machine, or even a “GPS” (Global Position System).

[0058] It is also noted that the electronic circuit includes a “testmode” equipment (simulator) that comprises an additional pulse generatorassociated with the same microprocessor.

[0059] It is also seen that the microprocessor include a self-checkdisplay means.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention emphasizes that the electroniccircuit includes a grain falling monitoring sensor associated with analarm signal and arranged correspondingly with each (cereal andfertilizer) dosing device of the machine.

[0061] On the other hand, the driving units arranged correspondinglywith each dosing dispensing device consist of an electronic circuit andan engine.

[0062] It is also seen that the driving units arranged correspondinglywith each dosing dispensing device consist of an electronic circuit, anengine and a speed reducer.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EXAMPLE

[0063] In order to implement the advantages briefly described, belowthere is a description of one preferred example of an embodiment, whichexample is described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0064] The installation of the present invention comprises theinterconnection of electronic and electromechanical elements for thepurpose of commanding and driving mechanic resources obtainingcontinuous speed ratios without intermediate moveable parts.

[0065] Information intake is obtained through at least one velocitysensor mounted preferably radially/axially on the driving wheel or drivewheel of the agricultural machines (seeders, fertilizing machines,whether they be crowding or dragging machines and/or self-propelledmachines), the motion information of which is processed and turned intouseful data necessary to determine the turn of the mechanic memberswhich define the very dosing devices.

[0066] It is a real electronic motion box, which is in charge of varyingthe movement of such mechanic members or means constantly, this featurebeing the big difference between this box and a conventional motion box,which has a discontinuous or “skipped” variation.

[0067] It is clearly understood from the foregoing that traditionalmechanic transmission resources (i.e., chains, replacement engagements,articulated cardan shafts, cardan joints, transmission boxes, mechanicspeed shifters, clutches, tensioners and innumerable springs, bushingsand roller bearings) are drastically done away with.

[0068] In order to implement the installation of the present invention,you must resort to a microprocessor among the ones available in marketwhich are interconnected through electric conductors with the VelocitySensor and the Intelligent Central Unit (the brain of the machine sincesuch microprocessor is contained in it) mentioned above.

[0069] The Driving Units mentioned above are arranged correspondinglywith each seed and/or fertilizer dosing dispensing device, and comprisean electronic circuit forming an integral part of the command, an engineand a reducer that is attached to the mechanic command shaft of suchdosing devices.

Description of FIG. 1 Control/Processor

[0070] The control/processor processes all the information received fromperipherals by means of its own software that checks the outputs. Thatis, by means of a program especially designed for that purpose, itresolves the pre-established algorithms necessary to associate thedisplacement speed of agricultural machines (seeders, fertilizermachines, pulverizers, etc.) with the right rotation motion needed bythe different dosing devices according to the parameters established. Inorder to achieve the foregoing, microprocessors available in market areused.

Velocity sensor

[0071] Velocity sensor is in charge of utilizing the lineal displacementmotion of the machine to turn it into information that fits themicroprocessor (Control/Processor). Any of the elements that may be usedto this end can provide information about displacement speed. Theseelements can be:

[0072] a) An encoder or pulse generator to be arranged attached(radially/axially) to the driving wheel shaft; it generates a frequencythat is proportional to displacement speed.

[0073] b) A voltage source, which produces a tension that isproportional to displacement speed.

[0074] c) A G.P.S. (Global Position System), through which theinformation mentioned above is received via satellite.

[0075] IN a) and b) the elements described are associated with a drivingwheel or drive wheel directly, for which purpose conventional resourcessuch as flexible joints are used.

Test Mode

[0076] Test mode is an ancillary piece of equipment the purpose of whichis to simulate the operation of a seeder, or a fertilizing machine, asthe case may be, without actually operating the machine so that thecorrect work of dosing devices can be verified. By means of an “encoder”or additional pulse generator, which replaces the driving wheel encoder,this simulator provides the microprocessor with all the information thatshould be provided by the latter but which is not provided because themachine is out of work and motionless.

[0077] This result can be obtained by two different ways:

[0078] a) A variable voltage source with a tension/frequency converter.

[0079] b) An engine with a speed regulator attached to an encoder.

[0080] This Mode allows testing all the dosing devices of the machine asa whole and/or adjust each of them individually. Alternatively, itallows adjustment of seeding dosing devices, fertilizer dosing devicesor both, according to what users need.

External Conditions

[0081] External conditions are the external parameters that defineand/or determine the situation of agricultural machine, i.e., out ofwork, the seeder upwards, optional.

[0082] Information is provided to Control/Processor according to thesituation or state of the machine so that, once such information hasbeen processed, it may respond to the requirements of users according tothe state of the machine at that moment.

[0083] Thus, you may use only the seeder or both parts as a whole, asthe case may be.

Data Entry

[0084] It is a mini processor command keyboard by means of which workersset up the machine to work. It basically consists of the entry of thefunctions selected from the menu, including but not limited to thefollowing details about how these data can be entered:

Mode

[0085] Clicking a key successively there will appear Kg/Ha - FertilizerYES NO min. max. 40 400 - Grain detector YES NO Relay/Alarm mts.b/seeds - Seeder YES NO min. max. YES Oblique NO Corn Yes/No 150 350Sunflower 220 350 Soy 70 20 50 Soy 52 36 60 Sorghum 40 60 Black bean 5590 Albumen white bean 40 75 Red bean 75 180 Peanut 47 85 Mexicanchickpea 45 80 Elderberry 45 80 Lint-free cotton 35 60 Safflower 75 180YES Horizontal NO Corn Yes/No 150 370 Sunflower 170 370 Chickpea 45 80Soy 70 20 50 Soy 52 45 60 Sorghum 40 65 Black bean 55 90 Albumen whitebean 40 75 Red bean 75 185 Linter-free cotton 35 64 Peanut 45 85 Display

[0086] It is used to see the data entered in Control/Processor upon“preparation” of the machine and during operation it shows displacementspeed. As a special feature it has self-checking and self-diagnosis ofthe circuit and the operations it should perform.

[0087] Example of circuit self-checking: feeding voltage.

[0088] Example of self-diagnosis: the machine is moving around and nograins fall; this may mean that hoppers are empty, or the conduit thatguides grain falling is blocked.

Grain Falling

[0089] It is a sensor that monitors grain falling and warns if any seedhas not fallen along the conduit that guides grains to the floor.

[0090] As a special feature it gives an alarm signal if grain falling isnot correct.

[0091] Producers get the benefit of preventive control of seed falling,which fact avoids going over hectares in the event a drill is leftwithout seeding.

[0092] Grain detection is performed by means of optocouplers, which canbe diodes, transistors, thyristors. The sensor checks every sensor thathas been installed, and thus, it controls the number of drills ready tobe seeded.

[0093] Such indications will be either in visual or acoustic form.

Driving Unit A1

[0094] Driving Units are devices that interpret and/or produce bychannel A (the name given to seed or fertilizer dosing devices arrangedin such way as to dose, each of them, the same quantity) the turn of themembers of the dosing device according to parameters sent fromControl/Processor.

[0095] Up to 32 units can be coupled in parallel.

[0096] This unit can be composed of:

[0097] a) an electronic circuit and an engine;

[0098] b) an electronic circuit, an engine and a reducer.

[0099] As a special feature, the electronic circuit turns theinformation sent from the microprocessor into a speed proportional tothe pack of data received.

[0100] There are no restrictions on the type of motor to be used withthe new device provided that the operations to be performed by it arenot overlooked.

[0101] In this selected example a stepping engine is used due to itsversatility and relative low cost.

[0102] The reducer is used to increase torque where necessary. Thereducer can be any of the ones available in market.

Auxiliary Elements

[0103] A relay or output alarm is used. It consists of additionalelectric outputs which enable connection of alarms or of elementsindicators of abnormalities.

[0104] Their purpose is to inform users that some element or device inthe machine is not working well. Auxiliaries can be easily seen elementssuch as an intermittent light source, or auditory elements such as ahorn or a siren.

We claim:
 1. A drive installation incorporated into a seeding orfertilizing machine for obtaining continuous speed ratios withoutintermediate moveable parts, said machine comprising at least onesupporting wheel, a drive wheel having a shaft, a dispenser, a pluralityof propelling units, at least one dosing device, and a drive movement,comprising, in combination: a) at least one velocity sensor arrangedcorrespondingly with one of said machine supporting wheels; and, b) anelectronic circuit including an Intelligent Central Unit comprising amicroprocessor having software associated therewith which controls themovements generated by said plurality of Propelling Units, integrated tothe same circuit and arranged, individually, correspondingly with eachdispenser and dosing device owned by the machine, coupled to at leastone of the members belonging to said dosing devices and dispensersinvolved in the drive movement and action of each of them.
 2. The driveinstallation of claim 1, wherein said sensor is arranged in electricalcommunication with said drive wheel that, belonging to and placed at afront sector based on the floor of said machine.
 3. The driveinstallation of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a pulse generator(defined according to the advance rate) coupled to said shaft of onewheel of said machine.
 4. The drive installation of claim 1, whereinsaid sensor is a voltage source (defined voltage producer according tothe advance rate of the machine) coupled to said shaft of one wheel ofsaid machine.
 5. The drive installation of claim 1, wherein the sensoris a “GPS” (Global Position System).
 6. The drive installation of claim1, wherein said electronic circuit further comprises a “test mode”equipment (simulator) comprising an additional pulse generator,associated with said microprocessor.
 7. The drive installation of claim1, wherein said microprocessor further comprises a self-check displaymeans.
 8. The drive installation of claim 1, wherein said electroniccircuit further comprises a grain falling monitoring sensor and an alarmsignal associated therewith, arranged correspondingly with each saiddosing device of said machine.
 9. The drive installation of claim 1,wherein said propelling units arranged correspondingly with each saiddosing dispenser comprise an electronic circuit and an engine.
 10. Thedrive installation of claim 1, wherein said propelling units arrangedcorrespondingly with each dosing dispenser comprise a) an electroniccircuit; b) an engine; and c) a speed reducer.